Alf and Vicky Thompson met when they were 11-year-old classmates at Grange School in Jarrow, South Tyneside.

After several years of courting and taking strolls around their local park together, the pair were wed and began their married life together.

Now, 70 years on, the couple have reached their platinum anniversary and are celebrating in style.

Alf, 88, of Debdon Gardens, Heaton, Newcastle, said: "Money was tight when we were young and we couldn't afford to do things like go to dances or the pictures.

"So when we were courting, we just used to go for walks in our local park where there were swans and a pond, and talk about all sorts of things.

"It was something that just developed and we accepted it as it grew. When I proposed, it wasn't anything flash like the kids do these days. I got down on one knee but it was just a simple moment between the two of us.

"It seems funny to think that was more than 70 years ago. To make it work, I think you've got to be co-operative and understand each other. You have to work through problems together instead of arguing." The couple were married on February 22, 1932 at St Cuthbert's Church in Hebburn, when Vicky was 17 and Alf was 18.

Alf had already begun work as an apprentice and became a caulker at various shipyards in Tyneside including Palmers in Jarrow and Neptune in Walker, while Vicky raised their children - Jim, now 69, Ken, 63, and Jeff, 58.

Vicky, 86, also worked intermittently as a secretary and at Bainbridge's.

The couple have four grandchildren and two great grandchildren aged 13 and 16.

Alf said: "We've seen a lot of things in the 70 years we've been married - an awful lot has changed. Our anniversary is a bit of a milestone, really."

Alf and Vicky are spending the day at home today and will have a meal with son Ken, 63, and his wife Jackie, to celebrate.

Ken said: "Mum and dad decided they would like to stay at home for the day so it will be a quiet affair but there will be flowers and champagne."